U.S. Announces New Travel Restrictions Effective 2026, Impacting 39 Countries

If you’re planning international travel to the United States in 2026, it’s critical to stay informed about new immigration and entry policies. On December 16, 2025, the United States announced expanded full and partial travel restrictions affecting 39 countries, along with individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents.

These measures officially take effect on January 1, 2026, and impact both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders, depending on nationality and visa type.

Below is a clear, traveler-friendly breakdown of who is affected, what visas are restricted, and what exemptions apply.

Overview of the 2026 U.S. Travel Restrictions

• Effective Date: January 1, 2026

• Announcement Date: December 16, 2025

• Total Affected Countries: 39

• Restriction Types:

  • Full Entry Bans (19 countries + Palestinian Authority travel documents)

  • Partial Travel Restrictions (20 countries)

Countries with Full U.S. Entry Bans (2026)

Nationals from the following 19 countries are prohibited from entering the United States under any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa category, with very limited exceptions:

• Afghanistan

• Burkina Faso

• Burma (Myanmar)

• Chad

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Laos

• Libya

• Mali

• Niger

• Republic of the Congo

• Sierra Leone

• Somalia

• South Sudan

• Sudan

• Syria

• Yemen

Additionally Included

• Individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority

➡️ This means tourism, business, student, work, and family-based travel are all affected for nationals of these countries unless an exemption applies.

Countries with Partial U.S. Travel Restrictions

Nationals from the following 20 countries face suspensions on immigrant visas and specific nonimmigrant visas, including:

• B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 (business & tourism)

• F & M (students)

• J (exchange visitors)

Affected Countries

• Angola

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Benin

• Burundi

• Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

• Cuba

• Dominica

• Gabon

• The Gambia

• Malawi

• Mauritania

• Nigeria

• Senegal

• Tanzania

• Togo

• Tonga

• Turkmenistan*

• Venezuela

• Zambia

• Zimbabwe

* Turkmenistan Update:

• The nonimmigrant visa ban has been lifted, but

• Immigrant entry remains suspended

➡️ Travelers from these countries may still qualify for other visa types, but tourism, study, and exchange programs are largely restricted.

Who Is Exempt from the 2026 Travel Restrictions?

Despite the expanded bans, key exemptions apply, including:

• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

• Individuals holding a valid U.S. visa issued before January 1, 2026

• Travelers whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests

• Certain diplomatic or humanitarian cases (evaluated individually)

⚠️ Even with exemptions, travelers should expect increased scrutiny at ports of entry.

What This Means for Travelers in 2026

If you or your family are affected by these restrictions:

• Do not book non-refundable flights without confirming eligibility

• Check visa issuance dates carefully

• Consult an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance

• Monitor updates from U.S. embassies and consulates

• Consider alternative destinations if U.S. travel is no longer possible

Travel Expert Tip

Policies like these can shift quickly. If you are traveling for education, business, family reunification, or tourism, planning ahead is no longer optional—it’s essential. Always verify your eligibility before making travel plans.

The 2026 U.S. travel restrictions mark one of the most significant policy changes affecting global mobility in recent years. With full entry bans, partial visa suspensions, and limited exemptions, travelers must stay informed, proactive, and flexible.

📌 Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone planning U.S. travel in 2026.

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